Most of the photos contained in this article were taken by DefenseReview.com, and are copyrighted. DefenseReview.com owns the copyright on these photos. The photos were shot with a Canon PowerShot S90 10-megapixel digital camera (still camera with video capability). Three of the photos contained in this article (IFLBS armor carrier being worn) were supplied to us by Archangel Armor, and they own the copyright on those photos.

July 13, 2011Last updated on 7/13/11.

DefenseReview (DR) got to photograph the Archangel ArmorInternal Frame Load-Bearing System (IFLBS) Version 5 tactical armor plate carrier system/tactical vest at the 2011 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC 2011), and the system looked pretty good. The purpose of the IFLBS is give the operator/soldier a tactical body armor system that enables him to either carry the same amount of weight more easily (40%+ easier), or 40%+ more weight just as easily, by better distributing the load on the human skeleton via an internal frame/structural support system. With the Archangel Armor IFLBS, some load distribution goes to the hips and legs, so not all of the weight is supported by the wearer’s shoulders and back.

But, we’ve got open minds over here, and look forward to running a Version 5 Archangel IFLBS tactical armor rig (or whatever version rig is available by then) when we can get our hands on one.

Getting back to SOFIC, though, we didn’t try the rig on during the photo session because Archangel’s head honcho Paul Carter wasn’t there to walk and talk us through it. We’d planned to come back and donn it with him there, but we got side-tracked. Regardless, you really have to run a load-bearing tactical vest through a shooting course and/or on a hiking trip to really evaluate it properly. It also helps if you can run it side-by-side with a more traditional type system.

Interestingly, Hard Point has a new Integra-Belt battle belt with a built in load-bearing system of its own. The prototype belt we handled at SHOT Show 2011 utilized a simple-yet-innovatively-designed integral plastic stay/support system to partially support the weight of the armor carrier, but the design has advanced/evolved since then, so we don’t know what the improved/upgraded Hard Point Integra-Belt battle belt looks like.

The following information comes from the Archangel Armor Internal Frame Load-Bearing System (IFLBS) Version 5 tactical armor carrier system data sheet:

“Changing the Future of light tactical gear with a modular and scalable weight distribution system.

Modular
Each modular piece can be added or removed as needed. to re-configure and personalize the tactical load for any mission.

Increased Mobility and Range of Motion
The center of gravity is lower to the lumbar area. The weight of the tactical load is lifted off the shoulders eliminating spinal loading. There is no resistance or restriction in the entire range of motion in any tactical situation.

Decreased Risk of Chronic Back Injury
The system is designed to mitigate and interfere with acute and chronic injury patterns, by reducing spinal loading and increasing spinal support.

Scalable
The device translates from a plate carrier to an outer tactical unit allowing the adaptation of multiple levels of protection according to a wide range of ballistic threats.

“Decreased Upper Body Fatigue

Because the load is not carried on the shoulders and neck, the muscles will retain their strength for longer. Evaluations have shown a reduction in a rate of fatigue greater than 40%.

Donning and Doffing

Rapid don and doff that requires seconds.

Adjustable
The core frame telescopes to easily fit 5th -95th percentile of male and female body types. The frame design can be configured for a personalized fit.

Increased Ventilation
The frame and support stand off of the body to allow free airflow through the device.

Easy to Access (Medical)

Using the donning and doffing points on either side, a field medic can access the wearers entire front and flank with only partial disassembly of the equipment. Integral harness points allow rapid ease of evacuation.

The Archangel System distributes the weight to maximize the potential of the operator.

Operational Description:
The IFLBS will have an immediate and large scale impact on ANY user of tactical armor. It will allow an optimal level of performance for an increased period of time, greatly impacting mission success and survivability.”

About David Crane

David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.